Marjon Student wins National Award for Visionary Project

Released: 22.06.23

Christianne Pollock, a Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) student at Plymouth Marjon University, has been selected as the winner of the esteemed 'International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders (IJLCD) in association with Wiley Publishers and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) Student Prize' for 2023 in the alternative project category.

Christianne's project, titled "The Development of a Website to Support Better Communication and Interaction in Learning Disability Services", proposes a groundbreaking website that has the capacity to transform communication and interaction within learning disability services, offering a universal approach to speech and language therapy. This visionary idea captured the attention of the judging panel, who recognised its potential to make a significant impact in the field. 

As the winner, Christianne will receive a cash prize of £250 and an invitation to submit an abstract of her project for presentation at the prestigious RCSLT Conference in November 2023. Christianne has also been invited to accept the award during the virtual IJLCD Annual Lecture, where her achievement will be celebrated among esteemed professionals and scholars in the field of language and communication disorders. 

Christianne said: “I’m thrilled and surprised to win this prestigious award. I’m so grateful for the support provided by the brilliant team at Marjon throughout my degree. I want to give particular thanks to Lynsey Parrott, my project supervisor, for always challenging and encouraging me.” 

Alex Mallinson, Programme Leader for Speech and Language Therapy at Marjon said: “Marjon positively encourages students to develop innovative projects that address potential gaps in current service provision. Christianne's ambitious project was outstanding in terms of both academic rigour and real-world application. Her design of a training website for staff supporting people with learning disabilities was evidence-based and theoretically principled with a high degree of functionality. We hope to see it launched as a valuable professional resource as part of Christianne's new career as a Speech and Language Therapist.” 

This achievement further cements the long-standing relationship between Plymouth Marjon University and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT). Speech and Language therapy has been running at the University for nearly 30 years. 

The RCSLT holds a rich history dating back to 1944 when the Association of Speech Therapists and the British Society of Speech Therapists collaborated to establish the College of Speech Therapists (CST). Over the years, the CST evolved into the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, earning the esteemed privilege of adding 'royal' to its title in the 1990s. This recognition was a testament to the profession's dedication to the study and practice of speech and language therapy. 

Plymouth Marjon University also takes pride in its association with distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to the field. Notably, Nick Hewer, former presenter of the iconic television program Countdown and current RCSLT President, has played an instrumental role in raising awareness about communication and swallowing difficulties. His ongoing work with the RCSLT garnered him an honorary degree from Plymouth Marjon University in 2019, underscoring the University's commitment to recognising exemplary contributions to society. 

The Speech and Language Clinic at Marjon offers assessment, individual treatment plans, training, and advice for children and adults. The team is comprised of qualified speech and language therapists and students currently studying for their BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy degree.  

Marjon offers appointments face-to-face or via telehealth and can discuss patients’ individual needs and options for assessment and ongoing speech and language therapy consultations.  

For more information, contact Sarah Erasmus or Erin Jarvis on 01752 636702 or email sltclinic@marjon.ac.uk, or find more information here.